Giving birth at Kingston-Upon-Thames hospital??

[newade]

Im expecting to give birth in about 4 weeks at Kingston-Upon-Thames hospital and wondered if anyone would like to share there experience of the hospital/midwifes???Also would anyone recommend Tens machine, I've heard they just feel like needles..

[dueat44]

I had some issues with the ante-natal care, but my 9 days in 'Transitional Care' after the birth were as good as they could be. Most midwives good, a minority lazy, and some truly excellent, willing to commit hours to breast-feeding help, chat with you during lonely night feedings, etc.

There is an issue with under-staffing.

Have heard that they don't put themselves out on Worcester ward though.

[lulu25]

i had three excellent midwives (main delivery suite, not the malden suite) for the delivery and an excellent anaesthetist for an unexpected epidural. the birth was a really positive experience. community midwives before and after were also great.

worcester ward was pretty unpleasant initially but some much nicer people came on shift the second day. got my own room too.

this was in january btw

[poppy34]

only wish I could...got bounced from both kingston and west mid as too full. Would be interested to hear what you think in case I get lucky next time

[newade]

Well just to give an update Im now at my due date and no baby and midwife has mentioned allowing 5 days and then a sweep and then another 5 days and then induction??? Not overly happy about her or the hospital doing any intervention...Started eating fresh pinapple..

[Eleusis]

My advice is that if you are not happy, then tell them "no". It is your choice. However if you have several doctors all advising a certain course of action, you might be wise to listen. I haveheard good and bad stories about Kingston -- and probably the same is true at most hospitals.

[foxcub]

I have had three babies; one at Kingston, one at West Mid and one at Queen Charlottes. At the time I didn't like Kingston, it felt like a conveyor belt. However, having had a baby at QC recently and a terribly traumatic birthing experience there, I think Kingston was actually far superior.

My fave by far was West Mid (midwife led) but I live fairly near Kingston and so know loads of Mums who have given birth there and have only ever heard one bad report.

[DaddyJ]

Kingston is pretty good according to two couples we know. Weren't raving about it but generally happy.
West Mid is top notch, midwife-led and very supportive.

[foxcub]

I have to agree, west Mid was wonderful - I had a fantastic experience there

[newade]

Can you believe it Im now 4 days overdue and don't think this baby wants to come out...Had a bit of a fever/hot sweaty night...has anyone else experience this when they've been overdue...?

[Tutter]

newade, are you booked into the nmain delivery suite or the malden (MW-led) suite?

i had ds in the latter two years ago (tomorrow!) and they were great - would be happy to go back (but we've since moved away from the area)

[amidaiwish]

i had DD1 in kingston, had an excellent mw and the single room for after was excellent!!! only criticism was they sent me home when i was 3cm dilated, told me to wait til waters broke, i went back in 4 hours later, was 8cm and going into shock. had to have immediate epidural which probably wouldn't have been needed if they had let me stay and started me off with gas & air etc. so refuse to go home if you don't want to.

had DD2 in west mid (kingston was full) another excellent mw, but i was in and out in 4 hours so didn't hang around. place was pretty filthy.

used TENS machines both times. really depends on the one you get. i highly recommend this one which i used with DD2
It doesn't have any levels unlike the one i had first time which was useless as i didn't progress up through them quickly enough so it stopped working and just irritated.
TENS

[newade]

Im booked into the Malden suite and now 6 days over..Now booked into to see consultant on Monday where I think he's planning to do a sweep......Keep you all informed

[halogen]

I had my baby in the Malden suite last year. It was fantastic. Both midwives I saw were supportive and lovely and helpful. The facilities were clean and spacious. I had to stay in for two nights and I was really comfortable. The staff are fantastic.

[lyrabelacqua]

Most of my friends have had their babies at Kingston hospital and I haven't heard any horror stories.

[makemineaginandtonic]

I had a VBAC there two months ago and was so impressed I sent a letter to the chief exec! Was in the delivery suite and was there for nearly 24 hours and had lots of midwives. Some better than others but all were good. Epidural man turned up within 2 minutes, although I have heard that there can be lengthy waits (2 hours) if you are unlucky so don't leave it to the last minute if you think you'll want one. Was only there for six hours after birth but got private room and all was clean and everyone pleasant.

Used a tens machine from early labour but took it off when proper contractions kicked in as the wires kept getting in the way. I didn't really like the feeling of it, but who knows, it might have been helping with the pain.

Good luck!